Matthew 7:13-14
“Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Pinterest is a wonderful resource for clever ideas, hints, tips, recipes, information and how-to’s of all kinds. There are also plenty of “pins” for shortcuts. One that comes to mind is how to hem a garment with double-faced tape. Don’t know how to sew? Don’t worry! Just use double-faced tape… or “iron-on” tape. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Quick, easy, and neat! Except double-faced tape… and to some degree, iron-on tape… is not permanent. It doesn’t hold up for the long haul in the wash. First thing you know, you’ll be walking down the street, and part of your pant or skirt hem will be dangling… a look that is anything but neat and secure!
The only way to be sure your hem is going to stay in place and serve you well is to use a needle and thread and secure it the old-fashioned way. It takes time, practice – and maybe a little skill – but anyone of reasonable age and dexterity can manage this. Yes, you can learn to “sew on a button” or hem a pair of pants!
For many people, Christian faith is something they wish to trot out for an hour on Sunday – or maybe just at Christmas and Easter. They will tell you that they desire a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus… that they are fairly certain that God is watching over them and meeting their needs. But in truth, their bond with God amounts to little more than a strip of double-faced or iron-on mending tape! Before you know it, that “hem” will fall apart in the “wash” of life, and those who opted to take the “short-cut” to Christian faith and discipleship will be left with a tattered, dirty and daunting remnant of their life in Christ instead of a vibrant, fully-interactive association with Him.
The only way to enjoy a safe, secure, solid – and shared – bond with Jesus Christ is to invest time in your relationship. Truly study God’s word and determine how it applies to your life and your present situations. Talk to Him – and listen to what He has to say in return. Develop an association with fellow believers and share insights, struggles, and blessings with them. Think about Jesus – OFTEN! Put Him at the forefront of everything you say and do. I know it sounds trite, but actually ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” Better yet, ask HIM… “LORD… what would you do? What should I do?”
Just as anyone of reasonable age and dexterity can learn to sew on a button – or put in a hem – you and I can develop a vibrant, interactive, and everlasting relationship with Jesus Christ. All we have to do is invest a little time and effort… He will handle the rest. Now that’s something worth “pinning”! Are you willing to devote your total attention to Jesus and do the work to develop an abiding relationship with Him? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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